World Autism Awareness Day

Baby Wellness: World Autism Awareness Day

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, and AIDS combined. In honor of the second annual World Autism Awareness Day, we take a moment to look at the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the world. Though celebrities may debate the ability to "cure" autism, researchers say there is no medical detection or cure for disorder, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes.

Among the interventions that doctors recommend are language and occupational therapies. These therapies can cost well over a hundred dollars per session and often aren't covered by insurance policies. For parents of children on the autism spectrum looking to provide additional help between therapist-led sessions, TRP Wellness has created an OT in the Home DVD ($35). Britt Collins, an occupational therapist, and Rachel Hunter lead viewers through an entire day of activities, including eating, dressing, bathing, and bedtime, while demonstrating strategies to help children with sensory issues complete the tasks. The skills taught through the DVD aim to supplement the tots' in-person therapy by improving their quality of life through meaningful experiences.